Younger generations are continuing to shift away from traditional wedding ceremonies and toward personalized celebrations, a new survey finds. According to The Knot’s latest Real Weddings Study, up to 87% of Americans of Generation Z see themselves getting married in the future and planning the event on their own terms. The survey included 14,000 couples that were married in 2018 and a sample size of 201 Americans between the ages of 14 and 23. Currently, about 40% of brides and grooms say they are looking for unusual venues that reflect their personality. Approximately 53% of millennial respondents (born between 1980 and 1994) reported that they wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their relationship. But it’s the next generation that will take wedding personalization to the next level. Up to 73% of Generation Z respondents (born between 1995 and 2010) said that engagement and wedding traditions matter to them. But only 18% said they planned to observe those traditions conventionally. A total 80% of Gen Z participants said they’ll merge traditions or create their own customs and 44% said they would merge traditions from more than one culture. This is significant considering many traditions are already a merge of cultures; the first archaeological proof of dance was found on a 9,000-year-old cave in India. But personalizations don’t end there. Social consciousness is also important to Generation Z. About 60% of respondents said they plan to include a charity in their wedding registry and use the event to make a social impact. “This generation is focused on inclusivity and is socially conscious,” said Lauren Kay, deputy editor at the Knot, “and [they want] to identify with the brands they are supporting and [want] them to have like-minded values.” Generation Z currently makes up 26% of the total media audience in the United States. This makes them the single largest audience segment. Generation Z will also account for 40% of all consumers by 2020, making them capable of influencing up to $4 billion in discretionary spending. This is important for U.S. wedding businesses, in particular, because Gen Z intends to spend their own money on their wedding celebrations. Approximately 92% of Gen Z survey respondents said that being financially stable prior to getting married is important to them and 33% said they predict they’ll pay for their wedding on their own with their partner. Only 5.5% of participants said they predict their parents will pay for the...

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are mycobacteria which do not cause leprosy or tuberculosis. However, NTM do cause pulmonary diseases that are similar to tuberculosis and often occur in many animals, including humans. There are more than 180 species of NTM and it’s estimated that the number of people with NTM lung disease in the U.S. is as high as 180,000. That number is increasing by 8.2% every year in people aged 65 years and older. It’s important to note, however, though NTM infections primary affect older adults, age groups of all kinds could develop chronic lung diseases, as well. Typically, these naturally-occurring organisms are found in soil and water. Whenever an individual inhales NTM in an environment, serious lung infections can occur, leading to slow, progressive, and destructive diseases to form. According to WebMD, you’re more likely to get the NTM lung disease if the bacteria gets inside your lungs and you already have one of the following health concerns: Any disease that causes lung damage like emphysema, bronchiectasis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Silicosis or “black lung disease.” Any autoimmune disease like Sjogren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Acid reflux Weakened immune system from HIV infection or AIDS. Past infection with tuberculosis. Alcoholism. Cystic fibrosis. Had or are about to have a lung transplant. In addition to moist environments and inside soil, NTM germs commonly can be found inside steamy bathroom, hot tubs, and heated indoor pools. If you believe you’re at risk for the disease, it’s best to consult with a medical professional and avoid hot tubs and indoor pools. Also, use a ventilation fan to clear up steam inside a bathroom after a hot bath or shower. Though this disease isn’t as well known as similar illnesses, it has been gaining notoriety within medical circles. In fact, in hopes to increase awareness of the often-misdiagnosed disease, an event called “Constant Cough, Fatigue, and Shortness of Breath? Expert Reveals NTM Lung Disease as a Potential Cause” was recently held on Rare Disease Day (February 28). According to COPD News Today, the COPD Foundation hosted a Facebook discussion of NTM lung disease to provide better understanding and inside into the...